[Avionics Today 03-24-2015] The FAA made an announcement during last week’s Equip 2020 working group meeting that rule-compliant DO-260B Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) equipment has been installed onboard 10,000 U.S.-registered aircraft. According to the agency’s latest estimate, between 100,000 to 160,000 General Aviation (GA) aircraft need to be equipped with ADS-B Out avionics prior to the Jan. 1, 2020 mandate.
ADS-B ground station. Photo: Exelis.
“ADS-B will be particularly important for general aviation operators as the FAA fully integrates Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) into the National Airspace System (NAS), introducing thousands of UAS into a crowded airspace,” said General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) President and CEO Peter Bunce. “By choosing to equip now, operators are investing in their safety; they are also ensuring they meet the 2020 deadline before installation lines grow long. We are very pleased with the positive growth in equipage, and manufacturers will continue to work with the FAA and operators to facilitate equipage as the 2020 deadline approaches.”